Joseph "Joe" E. Gilbraith

Joseph Edward Gilbraith, 89, of Atkinson, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, peacefully at his home. Cremation rites have been accorded. Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory will be assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Joe Gilbraith Memorial Fund to be distributed amongst local charities.

Joseph Edward Gilbraith was born on March 1, 1936, in Annwan, IL, the son of Lyle and Martha (Seabert) Gilbraith. He graduated from Annawan High School. Joe married Norma J. VanOpdorp on June 9, 1956. They spent 69 years together, growing and raising their family. Joe retired from John Deere Harvester works in 2004. Joe had a passion for livestock and he spent many years farming in the Atkinson and Annawan area.

Those left to cherish his memroy include his wife, Norma; children, Rick Gilbraith, Scott (Jonni) Gilbraith, Brenda (Dave Marcussen) Gilbraith, Debbie Claeys, Kathy Buysse, and Cindy (Marty) McNeil; grandchildren and great grandchildren; Amber, Brian, Logan and Lucas Prange; Abby, Kyle, and Sara Everett; Dana, Chris, and Caleb Samsel; Taylor Gilbraith; Shaun Gilbraith, Bill and Will Ulrich; Mandi, Joshua, Forrest, Charlotte, and Jonathan Sawlaw; Kati, Ryan and Lucy Roths; Kara, Patrick, Maddox, and Wyatt Gunn; Joseph Claeys; Kylie and Adam Smith; Kade Buysse; Corey, Kaytie, Holland, and Foster McNeil; Cameron, Jill, and Vivian McNeil.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Martha; 3 sisters, Mildred, Marie and Kathryn; and 1 brother, Leslie.